Las Damas de La Plaza
Las Damas De La Plaza
Las Damas Installation 2020
“The Ladies of the Plaza” –– began their “friendraising” and “funraising” with 35 members in May 1984. Their name reflects the historic Community Hospital Long Beach (CHLB) courtyard and fountain. Since then, Las Damas de la Plaza have raised over $1 million for CHLB funding facilities, equipment, scholarships, programs, continuing education and more.
Las Damas, then and now, is a diverse group in age, knowledgeable about Long Beach and its history, loosely structured with few binding rules, except to be “first class” and “fun.”
Las Damas and their activities reflect the high-touch reputation of CHLB. They spread the word, they network, they help to restore and sustain CHLB. Members care – some were born at CHLB – all have a sense of giving back and value the friendships made!
Las Damas members have sponsored a variety of special fundraising activities to support the programs and services of CHLB. A yearly musical revue, bus trip excursions, food and wine pairing dinners are all recent fundraisers. An annual reception is held to inform the public about CHLB and Las Damas.
Best Non-Profit Organization - 2016
Selected by Beachcomber readers, Las Damas de La Plaza was voted as the “Best Non-Profit Organization” for 2016 as Best of Long Beach Gold Winner.
EVENTS
Holiday Luncheon 2018 to benefit Spark of Love
Las Damas held its annual holiday luncheon at Old Ranch Country Club December 19, 2018. Members and friends filled several tables with toys for the Spark of Love toy drive through the Long Beach Fire Department. Long Beach Fire Fighters were on hand to collect the toys. Each year the Spark of Love program provides gifts to kids throughout Long Beach who would have otherwise gone without.
Food & Wine Pairing 2018
Las Damas and friends enjoyed another successful Food & Wine Pairing event and again raised $5,000. The September 15th event at Bev Cook's Bixby Hill home featured the foods and wines of Spain beginning with a wonderfully fresh "Mas Fi Cava" sparkling wine. Guests were treated to Dan Ray's insightful commentary on Spanish wine for each course and Gary Kuhn and Jeff Tarantino perfectly paired Spanish morsels with each wine. Entertainment was provided by guitarist Luca Pino. Photography courtesy of Ralf Stier.
Food & Wine Pairing 2017
Over sixty Las Damas de La Plaza members and supporters spent the evening of Saturday, September 16, raising their glasses, tasting incredible food, enjoying good company and raising over $5,000 to support Community Hospital Long Beach at the Bixby Hill residence of Bev and Cecil Cook.
Featuring the food and wine of Italy, the event included Dan Ray and Mark Prendergast providing guests with the “seven reasons why they should consider hosting an Italian food and wine pairing”. Their remarks included some unique background about Italy including that it produces more wine than any other nation in the world! Catering, featured a fabulous pairing of the selected wines with Italian cuisine by Gary Kuhn and Jeff Tarantino. Harpist Gracie Sprout’s music provided a soothing backdrop to the al fresco dining experience.